Gina Rae Mitchell

2021 Friday Finds May 21 | Books-Food-Fun

Hello and welcome!

Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day 2021 will occur on Monday, May 31.

Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season. (Courtesy of the History.com)

Do you have a summer kick-off holiday where you live? I’ll feature some holiday items in the next couple of newsletters to help you get ready for your next fun-filled holiday weekend.

Last week’s comment winner is Jenny from JenJenReviews. She’ll be hanging out on the sidebar with me all week. Pop in to see what she’s up to. It’s usually fun shenanigans! Be sure to tell her you saw her on here. James J. Cudney is my author of the week in the BookShop.

Please comment and share for your chance to be featured or at least score a gift card. This is just my little way to promote other authors, bloggers, and reward my readers each week. You make what I do fun!!

Did you miss a previous newsletter? Click here to read past issues.

Now on to the good stuff for the week,

2021 Friday Finds May 21 –  Books

The Road to Rose Bend by Naima Simone

Sydney Collins left the small Berkshires town of Rose Bend eight years ago, grieving her sister’s death – and heartbroken over her parents’ rejection. But now the rebel is back – newly divorced and pregnant – ready to face her fears and make a home for her child in the caring community she once knew. The last thing she needs is trouble. But trouble just set her body on fire with one hot, hot smile.

This book is an Amazon Editor pick and the audiobook version was recommended by LovelyAudioBooks!

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The Circles All Around Us by Brad Montague

This is the story of a circle. When we’re first born, our circle is very small, but as we grow and build relationships, our circle keeps getting bigger and bigger to include family, friends, neighbors, community, and beyond.

Brad Montague originally created Circles as an Instagram video adorably narrated by his kids, and now this picture book adaptation is the perfect way to start a conversation about how to expand our worlds with kindness and inclusivity–even if it seems scary or uncomfortable.

This book makes an ideal new-baby, first-day-of-school, or graduation gift, or any milestone that celebrates someone’s world getting bigger.

In case you missed it on the blog this week!

Cerebral Palsy by Ilana Estelle | Spotlight

Bad Fairy Strikes Again by Elaine Kay | Spotlight

Songs for Your Mother by Gordon MacMillan | Review

Weathering Old Souls by James J Cudney and Didi Oviatt

The Adventures of Molly and Ollie-Moving Day by Sally Beale | Review

2021 Friday Finds May 21 – Recipes

Salted Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars from Tastes Better From Scratch

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“Anti” Pasta Cauliflower Salad from I Breathe, I’m Hungry

2021 Friday Finds May 21 – Creative Projects

Are you looking for a fun project suitable for anyone today? I bet you have a bowl or jar of buttons sitting around the house, let’s do something with them.

35 Totally Cute Button Crafts from A Girl & A Glue Gun

Don’t keep buttons around but want to try one of these projects? You can buy large assortments of buttons, random or coordinated colors here!

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2021 Friday Finds May 21

What do you think of today’s edition? Be sure you scroll down to reply and let me know your favorite find this week. Do you have any news you would like to share with my readers in the email edition? I have a dedicated spot where I share relevant news.

I also share many of my reviews and posts on the following websites:

• Lovely Audiobook’s Monthly Link-up (Not limited to audiobooks)
• The Inspire Me Monday Link Party
• Inspire Me Monday with Anita Ojeda
• Grammy’s Grid Unlimited Monthly Link Party
• Esme’s Salon Monthly Link-up